2010 Nordic Tug Rendezvous - "Necessity Too"

by Butch and Diane Wrocklage

Pictures from our Nordic Tug Rendezvous at the Municipal Marina in St. Ignace, MI. During that time, June 24th to 27th, we had 23 tugs and ours was the oldest. The largest 54’, PAPA was from St. Louis and we were invited on for the sunset cruise under the Mackinaw Bridge. The sunset was beautiful.

We left MBIYC on Monday, June 14th with our first stop at Algonac, MI. Our intentions were to stay at North Channel Yacht Club but it was ladies week and no men allowed. The following stops were Lexington, Port Sanilac (because of rough seas), Harbor Beech, Harrisville, Presque Isle, Cheboygan (2 nights –laundry etc.), and St Ignace.

The return trip started Sunday June 27th. with the first stop at Presque Isle ( our Favorite) then to Harbor Beech which would have been a long trip but the weather was fine with light northerly winds. However, things changed as we were heading south and about ten miles from Harrisville a squall developed north of us and was supposed to be heading due east. Diane advised me that it’s heading south and gaining on us. Change of plans, head for Harrisville and see what happens. Well, it arrived and we had at least an hour to reach Harrisville. The pics of the squall showed what we had in store for the next 45 minutes. High north winds at least 50 mph, a bunch of rain with some hail and BIG WAVES on starboard beam. Our little tug with near full throttle ( 2600rpm & 13 Knts) played sailboat attacking the waves about head on to starboard then playing surfboard heading southwest. Surprising with the strong north winds it did not blow our bow to port and she stayed on course. Diane stopped taking pics when we were in the squall yet said nothing until we reached Harrisville. The only thing she had to say was her mouth was totally dry. The next day we stopped at Harbor Beech, then to Port Huron (Desmond’s Wall), and finally to MBIYC.

 

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